I'm liking all this positivity about Englands chances. Just can't bring myself to share it! Still think we will do well to draw.
Just recieved this preview. England will surely play with a solid defensive variation of 4-4-2 which will see John Terry on the right of the CBs where he is especially vulnerable. They will hope to nik a goal just as they did to beat Belgium 1-0 last Saturday, with a quick counter attacking strike. However, they will be under a lot of pressure for the majority of this match. 2. England will be without Rooney, plus defensive MF Barry and CB Cahill, so they really look a team that will be delighted to get a draw which is a runner but itâs difficult to see Hodgsonâs team winning. 3. France did win 2-1 at Wembley although that was 19 months ago, and they do have top class players in ace striker Benzema, and winger Frank Ribery and talented MFs in Nasri, Cabaye + MâVila [who will probably not start tonight]. 4. Unbeaten in 18 matches France have real confidence, after beating Brazil, and Germany as well as England in that run. 5. France have been staying locally since they arrived whereas England arrived just 2 days ago so the French side will be much the more acclimatised to the high temperatures of 30 Degrees Celcius that are expected this evening. IN SUM - England could well get a draw but France are the better side and I take them to beat a depleted, underprepared and non-acclimatised England side. For a bigger odds bet take France to win by a single goal at 10/3 LA.
I hope young Alex just goes out & enjoys himself, don't think about it too much, just go play some footy.
The logic used is sound and one would tend to agree with the sensible summation - which means England will nick it by the odd goal!! That said; brain tells me that France are up for this competition, no matter what the manager says about France being no longer a threat is this championships. That he chooses to attempt these mind games makes me think otherwise.
Apparently oxo is starting (I refuse to call him the ox!). I think its wrong that he has gone given that hes barely played for Arsenal and it sends the wrong message to kids. However hes a class player and I dont hold anything against him so really hope he does well! Once a saint always a saint in my book (unless it gets ugly/ disrespectfull to club)
I also hope this first competitive cap triggers an additional payment to Saints on top of the initial transfer fee!
If that happens, I may well go & try to find Mr Cortese & lay my coat down in the nearest puddle that his direction suggests......
Indeed, Debuchy is very good going forward, Ashley Cole will have his work cut out. I think France's centre-backs could be vulnerable to pace, so Oxo, Welbeck and Young might have some joy, but they look very threatening going forward themselves, so I expect to see England playing much as they did against Spain and hoping to nick a goal on the break. I kind of doubt they will be successful.
I like the look of this side. If oxo plays well I would like to see him switch to the right when Rooney comes back with Young dropping to the left. 2-1 England.
Him and Young are the best wingers in the squad (Johnson, Lennon etc aren't in it to answer any **** who brings that up) and he's more likely to make something happen than Downing or Walcott.
I would agree that its the most positive option available. I just think its kinda wrong that he can move to a big club play a handfull of games and get picked yet if he stayed or went to a smaller club and played every match he wouldnt have been picked. He looked rusty against belgium clearly from a lack of match time. However I think he could do very well and I really hope he does, I just think if he had been playing regularly he would have even more of an impact.
Also re downing I think he is a gifted player. Many top pundits really rate him its just clear that he lacks the mental strength of international football. Its a shame and I hope he regains his confidence but at the moment I'm glad he aint in the team!
